Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Jack Harris has loved Legs Anderson since they were kids. Now that he has her in his bed, he has no intention of letting her go. Aunt Ada has other ideas, even from the grave.

GETTING BETWEEN JACK…

Orphaned at a young age, Legs Anderson owes her Aunt Ada everything. The stoic old lady raised her, and Ada’s warnings about men—and the Harris boys in particular—have stuck, even after her death. Of course, that could be because Ada stuck around, too.

…AND HIS LEGS

Patience is not one of Jack Harris’s virtues, and he’s waited too long to start a life with the woman he’s loved since childhood instead of them just knocking boots. Now Ada is interfering from beyond the grave, haunting the old Victorian house she bequeathed to her niece and reinforcing Legs’s fears of commitment. But Jack won’t give up. No matter what trouble may follow, the house will be renovated, Ada will learn to let go, Legs will put her money where her mouth is…and then Jack’ll put his lips everywhere else.

The roar of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle on Rachel’s block and the rev of a throttle in her driveway announced Jack’s arrival. Legs tried to appear nonchalant when he walked through the poolside gate, but the sight of his sun-streaked hair and tanned, muscular good looks nearly knocked her off her seat. She eased her sunglasses down the bridge of her nose to get a better look.

When he stepped into the pool area dressed in black jeans, black biker boots, and a white muscle shirt that framed his pumped-up shoulders and biceps, she caught her breath. Everyone in the group said “hey” and Rachel offered him a cold drink, but his focus had remained on her. He slid his sunglasses on top of his head and nodded in her direction.

Legs remembered his gaze meeting hers before his attention strayed to her gold and black bikini then savored every inch of her skin. An appreciative smirk curled his lips and desire flashed in his beautiful blue eyes. He took a long pull of the soft drink someone handed him and then set the can down on the patio table. He looked her way and said, “Want to go for a ride?” The invitation came out like a dare.

Author Bio:
Adele Downs writes contemporary romance novels, some with a touch of magic, inside the office of her rural Pennsylvania home. She is a former journalist, published in newspapers and magazines inside the USA, UK, and Caribbean.

Adele is an active member of Romance Writers of America and her local RWA chapter where she serves as a past-president. She has written several articles for RWR magazine (Romance Writers Report) and has presented workshops for writers.

When Adele isn’t working on her current project, she can be found riding in her convertible or reading a book on the nearest beach.

Summary:
Life hasn’t been easy for Aeley since she arrested her brother, and her role as a political leader leaves her feeling isolated and lonely. Days before her brother’s trial, she meets Lira, a quiet and modest scribe who makes Aeley want more than just a professional relationship.

When she attends the trial and leaves with a marriage contract, Aeley doesn’t know what to do. She must choose one of two brothers, marrying into a family she doesn’t know. Then she discovers that Lira is part of the same family–a sister to Aeley’s suitors and the family’s disgrace. And not at all opposed to an intimate relationship.

Except random acts of violence against her people test Aeley’s ability as a leader, and a web of lies and deceit threaten not only her chance at happiness, but her life…

Character Interview with Aeley Dahe and Lira DerossaTell us a little about yourself. What should we know about you?Aeley: I’m Aeley Dahe, Tract Steward of Gailarin in the Republic of Kattal. I was raised by my father, the late Korre Dahe, the Tract Steward before me. Much of my life has been spent training with our soldiers and helping my father run the region. But before we get underway with more questions, I want to make it clear: we’re not going to talk about my brother, Allon. Let’s keep it friendly.Lira: I’m Lira Derossa, Aeley’s scribe and almost-wife. I suppose you could say I’m rather opinionated. Mostly I tend to say things I really shouldn’t. And I bite… hard. Also, if you’re taking requests, let’s avoid talking about my brothers, Emon and Ryler.

First impression of each other?Aeley: Beautiful and really, really quiet. Intriguing in a good way.Lira: Tough and willing to stand up for what she believes in, even if it means confrontation. Korre absolutely adored her. Now I know why.

Favorite weapon of choice? Aeley: Anything that can nick, stab, draw blood.Lira: Words. And Aeley, especially after she’s come from seeing our brothers. Considering what she did to the guard–Aeley: And the question is answered. I don’t want to think about it anymore–although he deserved it. Ah, stop making me remember! Thanks, Lira.Lira: Always.

What do you think of the author? And be honest! Aeley: *snort*Lira: That’s not an answer.Aeley: Sure it is. Just look at what ended up on the page. Honestly. I really don’t drink that much, and Mayr’s not half as Goddess-blessed as he seems. I can tell you stories about how he–Lira: I’d say the author represented our story fairly. Though I could’ve done without sharing our most intimate moments.Aeley: Really? I loved that most.Lira: You would.Aeley: Absolutely. Although I’d like to thank the author for not being as cruel to us as she is to others. I still have full movement of my extremities. I think we may have been lucky.Lira: Speak for yourself. Now everyone thinks I can’t use even a simple dining knife.

Seriously, Lira, what really happened when you tried using a sword? Aeley: *laughs so hard, she falls out of her chair*Lira: It’s not that funny. I’m sorry. Please ignore her. Just… New question, please.

Ever find out who stashed the booze? Aeley: No!Lira: Though it reappeared. Perhaps a little mysteriously, but really…Aeley: There’s only one answer: Mayr. I should toss him from the Guard faster than I can unlace your bodice.

How do you see your future? Lira: Better than the past. I wouldn’t trade this for anything I left behind, even on the bad days.Aeley: Good to know – I don’t plan on giving you up, Lira. Not ever.

Author Bio:
Archer Kay Leah was raised in Ontario, Canada, growing up in a port town at a time when it was starting to become more diverse, both visibly and vocally. Combined with the variety of interests found in Archer’s family and the never-ending need to be creative, it has been this diversity that has inspired Archer’s love of toying with characters and their relationships, exploring new experiences and crazy situations.

Archer started writing stories at age six and became “that kid” with their nose in the books and a pen in their hand, pursuing the challenges of writing novels at age thirteen and conquering the dread of poetry at fifteen. Archer most enjoys writing speculative fiction and is engaged in a very particular love affair with fantasy, especially when it is dark and emotionally charged.

When not reading and writing for work or play, Archer is a geek who has too many hobbies, keeping busy with other creative endeavors, a music addiction, and whatever else comes along, especially if it is in technological form. Archer lives in London, Ontario with a same-sex partner and their cat.

Summary:
At eighteen, Ty Boudreaux married his high school sweetheart and planned to live happily ever after on the family ranch. But after twelve years in a volatile, one-sided marriage, this gentle cowboy is struggling to put his life back together.

At eighteen, Bettina Blanchard’s goal in life had been to shake the dust of Bluebonnet, Texas off her heels, and with her baby sister now safely in college, that dream is within her grasp. But underneath Bad Betti’s tough exterior beats the heart of a woman with hopes and dreams, and she’s loved Ty almost as long as he loved his ex-wife.

When fate drops Ty in her lap, one night of passion leaves them dealing with a pregnancy and a marriage both have reservations about. Can a girl from the wrong side of the tracks and Bluebonnet’s favorite son find common ground outside the bedroom? Despite the interfering in-laws, a jealous baby sister and a holiday no one wants to remember, Betti and Ty discover that even though their happily ever after doesn’t come easy, anything worth having is worth working for.

The days and weeks after my run-ins with Rhea and Ty floated by in a haze of tears, ice cream and anything else I could shove in my mouth. I’d never in my life been so in the dumps over a man but repeated self-scoldings and peptalks did no good.
I had come to think of my life in terms of BT—before Ty and AT—after Ty.
The first few weeks AT, I’d alternated between nausea and binge eating. Definitely not like me; however, I’d never had my heart well and truly broken before. Squashed and beaten like a flower in a South Texas flash flood. This was unquestionably new territory for me and at first, I allowed myself to mope, eat, and cry. But things didn’t seem to improve. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t pull myself out of my funk, and continued eating and crying...and sleeping. I was depressed.
My depression lifted at the oddest incident. But even that didn’t last long. The week after I blacked Rhea’s eye I came home to find my grass had been cut. Totally not out of the ordinary since I paid my neighbor’s sons to cut and bag for me. The Jackson brothers—a couple of twelve year old, fair-haired imps were always looking to make a dime.
About time, too. They were a week past due.
On my way to work the next morning I stuffed an envelope with their pay in the mailbox, figuring their mother would give it to them. And a couple weeks later we repeated our song and dance.
Late in August, just before school started, their mom, who was the source of their blonde hair and always looked frazzled, showed up on my doorstep with both envelopes. And that’s when I got tickled.
"Betti, I’m sorry to bother you, but I found these in my mail."
"Oh Bev, that was for the boys mowing my grass. I hadn’t seen you around, so I just left their money in your mailbox."
"Well, see now, that’s the thing. The boys left July 1 to go spend the rest of the summer with their daddy up in Wichita Falls. Then my mama got sick a week later, and I’ve been in Alabama. Sally Truesdale’s been collecting all my mail and watering my yard. I just got back last week, and I’m still trying to set my house straight."
"So, who cut my grass?" Frowning, I stepped out on my porch and looked around. Like the mysterious grass cutter would still be nearby.
"I have no clue, but Sally did mention she’d seen Ty Boudreaux pass through here quite a bit lately."
What in the hell was Sally Truesdale smoking? Bev wasn’t one to gossip...but she was a woman. And Sally was always in the know. We eyed each other in the porch light, both of us fully aware my response would be reported to Sally and then repeated all over town.
"Why in the world would Ty Boudreaux come around here?" Least said; least spread was my motto. "This isn’t his side of town." I put on my best "I have no clue," frown and crossed my arms. Thank God it was dark out.
"She said she saw him more than once." Bev could fish ‘till the cows came home. "I hear he’s been having a lot of trouble since Rhea up and left him."
My lips were sealed.
But if Sally had seen him, then who else had? No way was I going to try and find out first-hand what Sally knew, or worse, canvas the neighbors to find out if anyone had actually seen Ty mowing my grass. And honestly, why would he?
Mowing a woman’s grass while she wasn’t home had to be the most insane thing I’ve ever heard of. Right?

BAD BETTI’S CARDINAL RULES OF WOMANHOOD
When I came up with the idea for Bettina Blanchard (Boudreaux), I wanted a strong, independent woman who lived her life by her own rules. I had no idea that those rules would be quite so literal. Nor did I realize that those rules would end up being such a big part of a later book (coming in October). But they were, and they are and the positive feedback I’ve gotten on them from readers makes me think that they should be shared. The key here is, at least in the fictional world of Bluebonnet, if you find yourself breaking most of these rules (for a man), then you should probably marry him. :DSo here they are (and some need no explanation):
Never sleep with a boy from Bluebonnet
Be discreet – Betti’s mother was the town drunk.
Have fun – because life is short
Keep it Light – because life is short! Don’t let yourself get all tangled up over a man
Women in love do stupid things – don’t be stupid but if you are, forgive yourself, course correct and move on.
Be Prepared – for a wide variety of things, including protected sex!
If you can’t go to his place, don’t let him sleep in your bed.
Never beg, whine or in any way, cling – See rules 3 and 4
Don’t nag – you can be a b*tch at any given time. That’s a woman’s divine right but state your case and move on
Don’t ask questions you don’t know the answer to – kind of like being a lawyer
Your best girlfriend is worth her weight in ice cream (Even if she laughs at you for taking four pregnancy tests) – this needs no explanation
Never mix business with pleasure
Good sex is important and while we’re at it, size does matter
Never Ever, under any circumstances, say the “L” word during sex
Love doesn’t equal happiness

So what are some of your favorite “rules” or words of wisdom that you live by and/or have shared??

Where did you come up with the idea of a fictional town named Bluebonnnet?
Besides the fact that I’m a native Texan and the bluebonnet is our state flower, I liked the idea of creating my own town. However, I didn’t ever want my fictional town confused with a real one sooo I went hunting for a good name for my town. There’s a database somewhere—it’s been a while—that allows you to search for city/town names by state. Lucky for me, there isn’t really a Bluebonnet, Texas—but don’t tell my characters.

Is Betti a plus-sized woman?
Yes, Betti is a plus-sized woman. When I was writing the first book in the series, I watched Ty’s marriage break up (as a secondary plotline). It broke my heart. I love Ty and yes, I wanted to fix him. As an author, I can do that. I wanted him to have someone who a) loved him as much as he loved Rhea and b) someone who was the exact opposite of him. I also wanted to write a story about a plus-sized women where HER SIZE was NOT an issue.

Are all your books about plus-sized women?
No! I write a wide variety of characters from a wide variety of backgrounds!

How did you come up with the title?
Actually, the original title was Cowboys Don’t Cry. I was searching for an agent, many moons ago, and decided to go with something that wasn’t quite so … depressing. Once in a Blue Moon just struck me and it fit—plus Blue Moon is the name of Betti’s salon. :D

Alpha, Beta, Gamma males….as a reader and as a writer, what’s your preference and why?
To be honest, I don’t think we consciously choose to write certain characters in certain ways. At least, I don’t think I do. As a writer, I’m definitely more drawn to Beta and Gamma males. Maybe it’s because I come from a line of Alpha women?!?!? LOL Ty is definitely more Beta but that doesn’t mean he’s weak—though some might think so, given what he’s been through as well as what he goes through. I’ll be honest, as a reader, flawed and even broken male characters (who triumph over adversity) are my reading crack :D (Karin Slaughter’s Will Trent comes to mind as one of my all-time faves—he had a horrible childhood and is dyslexic but triumphed over all of that).

What’s next? Will there be more Bluebonnet books?
Right now I’m hard at work editing…the next Bluebonnet book. It’s actually a novella and I’ve been calling it Bluebonnet 2.5. It’ll be released in June and is Zander Boudreauxes story (that’s Ty’s older brother). I’m also working on a Bluebonnet spinoff that’ll be released in August!

Author Bio:
Amie Stuart is the last of a dying breed, a native Texan, and still makes her home there, where cowboys and music (her other two loves) abound. Growing up, she wanted to be a lawyer and a psychologist. No doubt the shrinks would have a field day with her head, but she's seen the error of her ways and considers all those other jobs 'research' for the writing gig.

She's a multiple contest finalist as well as a trained contest judge and is affectionately know as The Terminator by her critique partners. She's written as CELIA STUART for Black Lace Books, & Liquid Silver Books, and as AMIE STUART for Kensington Aphrodisia, she has a short story (PEACHES 'N CREAM) in Zane's CARMEL FLAVA 2, and launched Cobblestone Press's short erotica line,Wicked in 2007.

Summary:
Greydon has two important missions: Find his brothers and rescue his people. His duty becomes complicated when he's forced to beg a human to save his life.

Aimee Jarvis always considered her bookstore a detour to bigger things. Little did she realize her next stop would be the intriguing world of a demon prince. Yet, she finds the dangerous Greydon alluring.

While their attraction continues to burn, they both deny what their hearts already know. It will take the mystery of an ancient civilization and a shocking discovery for them to admit their desire.

Greydon and Fang checked the perimeter of the compound to be sure there was no trouble. Greydon didn’t trust Zolar, even if it was impossible for the god to enter. It would only be a matter of time before the god succeeded in finding a way in.
“So, how do you feel knowing that Aimee is part demon?” Fang asked.
Greydon shrugged. “How am I supposed to feel?”
The demon protector snorted. “You have the fucking hots for her. Why won’t you simply admit it?”
Greydon stopped outside the front door to the palace. “Just like you to speak what’s on your mind.”
“Will you deny it?” Fang raised a brow.
Greydon laughed. “No, I guess I’m not.”
“Well that’s good because her scent is all over you. So, what are you going to do about it, or have you already?”
“I don’t know.” He opened the door, crossed the threshold with Fang on his heels and immediately sensed Aimee’s restlessness. He was driven to find her. “Fang, I have something I need to do.”
“Of course you do.” The demon walked in the other direction, laughing to himself.
“I’m glad he finds this humorous,” Greydon mumbled under his breath as he followed both Aimee’s scent and the pull his tie had to her.
Seconds later, he found himself standing in the doorway of the expansive library, staring at her as she stood in front of the fire. The black yoga pants formed to every inch of her lean body and the pink tee allowed her midriff to peek out.
“You look far away.”
She jerked and spun to face him. “I didn’t hear you. I wasn’t tired so thought I’d come in here.”
He walked into the room and made himself comfortable on the couch in front of the fireplace. “Something bothering you?”
She rubbed her arms as if cold, but he knew better. She was anxious about something. He could smell it. “I’ve been thinking. I want to help you, but I’m not sure how. Maybe you can guide me in the right direction?”
He cocked his head and stared at her, then patted the seat next to him. “Come sit and we can discuss it.”
She plopped down beside him and stared straight into his eyes. “I want to get one thing straight. I know you think that your attraction to me is from the blood bond, and maybe it is. However, I’m attracted to you as well and I have no bond to blame. I liked the kiss, and well, I hope you’re not discouraged from doing it again.”
At a loss for words, he figured the best place to start was with her request to help. "Okay, let's deal with one thing at a time. I think you might be a big help in deciphering our society. We're taught when we are very small about this world and what happened here. However, there are many gaps. You studied ancient languages and have a love for old books."
She nodded. "I think I know where you might be going with this. You want me to do some digging around here to see what I can learn?"
"Would you mind?" he asked, watching her eyes light up and a big smile spread across her lips. He realized he liked seeing her happy.
"Absolutely! I would be honored. I have to admit, it would also give me a chance to learn more about my supposed heritage.”
"I guess you probably have a lot of questions. I know I sure as hell do. In the morning, Fang and I plan to go back to the compound where you were held, and see if we can locate the others."
Aimee stared off into the flames. "I'm sure by now they know I'm gone." Her pleading gaze came back to meet his. "You have to save the other humans there too. God only knows what they've done to them."
The need to provide comfort coursed through him so he brushed his thumb down her cheek, desiring the intimate contact. “I’ll do my best, but you have to understand. My people, and especially my brothers, come first. After that I will not hesitate to save who I can.”
“Of course I understand, and I wouldn’t expect any less.” She leaned into his palm and desire darkened her hazel eyes.
He couldn’t stand it anymore, so he leaned in and brushed his lips across hers. He wanted more, and even though she’d admitted being attracted to him, he still held back. However, it took him by surprise when she placed her palms on his chest and pushed him back into the couch. Her lips never broke contact with his and when he could go no further, she wrapped her arms around his neck. Her tongue pressed and he opened, allowing her to sweep in and taste him. She positioned herself between his spread legs and the next thing he knew, she was grinding against his swollen erection.
She laced her fingers in his hair as her tongue continued to plunder his mouth. Never before had he given control to a woman. He wondered why, since he was loving every second of it.
He slid his hands down her back and cupped her ass, digging his fingers into the firm flesh. She moaned into their kiss and pressed harder against him. Heat radiated between her thighs and caused his shaft to ache. He needed both his cock and his fangs buried deep inside her, but damn he had to stop this and quickly.
Taken purchase links

Guardians Series

Eternal Flame

Fatal Desire

Primal Hunger

Author Bio:
As a child, Valerie would often get into trouble for peeking at her mother’s favorite TV show, Dark Shadows. She can still hear her mother saying. “It will give you nightmares.” She was right of course, but that did not stop Valerie from watching. As an adult, her love of the fanged creatures never waned. She would watch any vampire movie she could find.

Being a true romantic, Valerie was thrilled when she discovered the genre of paranormal romance. Her first read was one of Lara Adrian’s, Midnight Breed Series and from there she was hooked.

Today, Valerie has decided to take her darker, sensual side and put it to paper. When she is not busy creating a world full of steamy, hot men and strong, seductive women, she juggles her time between a full-time job, hubby and her two German shepherd dogs, in Northern IL. Valerie is a member of Romance Writers of America and Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Romance Writers.

Tests, life is full of them. The world is constantly putting you through them to see how much you can take before you break. Before you are no longer who you are. Before your world dissolves around you. How long you can stay strong and overcome the obstacles.

It's no secret that Big and I butt heads. It's no secret that I not only dislike my mother, I hate her because she hates me. But can these people break me? Can they push me to the edge of insanity, ready to jump?

Having stayed and moved in with Big, I was living the life I never even knew I wanted. Every day was filled with promise, warmth and unconditional love. Until the day, it wasn't. Until the day it all changed and I quickly learned what I'm made of, thanks to the truths behind many years of painful secrets.

It only took a single day for my world to never be the same. One day to change me forever. One day for revelations. One day I'll never forget......

***Steamy Adult romance - This is not a Stand alone.******Warning: Contains Mature scenarios, and mass quantities of profanity. For Ages 18+***

Author Bio:
Author Bink Cummings was born and raised part of an MC family. Upon the incessant coercion from her sacred sisters, she has begun her newest journey in life--writing. When she's not shacked up in her home, writing at all hours of the night, Bink enjoys riding motorcycles, taking care of her extensive roughneck family, and cooking huge meals. Especially her infamous chocolate chip cookies.

The Contest #1Summary:
When college student Madi Ryan wins a contest she didn’t enter, she reluctantly accepts a weekend date with gorgeous singer/songwriter Jake Morgan. Determined to find something wrong with him, Madi sets out to prove he’s not all he appears to be.

Haunted by mistakes, Jake Morgan lives with a past that prevents him from having a future… until Madi Ryan walks into his life. As his walls and his rules slowly crumble around him, Madi makes him doubt everything he thought he knew. Her desire to find something wrong with him fuels his interest in her. It doesn’t hurt that she’s beautiful, feisty and keeps him guessing.

As the weekend turns into something more long term, Madi finds herself drawn into his world and his charm. From harmless flirting, to denied passion, no matter how much Jake tries to push her away, he ends up pulling her in. And as Madi tries to put him together, he unknowingly tears her apart.

Contests don’t always have a winner and a loser. Sometimes love takes all.

Waiting to Lose #2Summary:
What happens when you win a love you don’t think you deserve?

Long distance relationships are tough and there are two sides to every story. No one knows that better than Jake Morgan and Madi Ryan. It’s not just about falling in love; it’s about staying together when everything in the world wants to tear you apart.

When Madi’s attacker is released on bail, Jake decides he’ll to everything in his power to protect the woman he loves, even if that means keeping secrets. Strange emails and photos appear on Madi’s computer, warning her that Jake is not what he seems. Madi’s faith in him begins to waver, especially when Jake becomes linked to beautiful actress, Allison Gregory. Although he promises there is nothing between them, outside forces push Madi’s trust in him to the breaking point.

Jake is willing to move heaven and earth to prove to Madi just how much she means to him. But when everything in their lives comes crashing down, will Madi be able to trust her heart or will she lose the only man she’s ever really loved?

Can two people stay together when one of them is always waiting to lose?

The Contest
She paced the kitchen floor. Murphy looked up at her curiously. “Murphy, why is your daddy taking Christine Paul with him tonight? Does he like her?”
Murphy sat and stared at her, wagging his tail. Apparently he didn’t have an answer either. When Madi had heard Jake on the phone talking to her and laughing, she’d wanted to puke. Had she been wrong about him? She would have gone with him if he wanted her to, but he didn’t even ask. Against her better judgment, Madi had googled her. She was divorced and totally available. There were rumors online that she and Jake were dating. Madi had scoffed. He spent all his nights at work or with her. If he was dating anyone, her name was Madi Ryan.
Jake had been a perfect gentleman since the night of dinner with his parents. He had made no attempts to come too close and he almost seemed to run away whenever she touched him. Maybe the other night was a mistake. Maybe she was wrong to think things would work out between them. She could feel her blood boil when she thought of Christine Paul with her arm wrapped around Jake. Would Jake even come home tonight? Madi continued to pace until she heard Jake’s bedroom door open.
Madi gaped at him. She immediately felt wet just by looking at him. He was freaking gorgeous. He walked out of the room fixing his cufflinks. He was wearing the double-breasted black tux with a straight black tie and black vest underneath. It fit him like a glove. His hair was perfectly coiffed and he had shaved, but only enough to give him a sexy, dirty boy look. He smiled at Madi as he walked toward her and she almost passed out.
“Well, what do you think?”
“I thought you were going to dress up,” Madi said with a look of boredom.
Jake laughed and fiddled with his tie.
“Here, let me help you.” Madi came up to him and started to straighten his tie when she smelled him. Dear God in heaven… It took everything in her power to not fall at his feet, cling to his leg and beg him to stay home with her tonight.
Jake glared at her as she fixed his tie. “Something wrong, Madi?” he said with a smirk.
She rolled her eyes. “You know what’s wrong.”
“No, I don’t think I do.”
Madi sighed and patted his tie into place. “You look handsome, Jake, as usual.”
Jake furrowed his brows as he studied her briefly before a cocky smile crossed his lips. “So you think Christine will like it then?”
Did he really just say that to her? What the hell? Why would Madi worry if Christine thought he looked good? Screw Christine. She hated her. Madi put her hands on her hips as she spoke. “I don’t really know her taste, Jake. Why don’t you ask her if she thinks you’re lickable. I really don’t give a damn.”
Jake put his hands in the air and backed away from her. “Someone is feisty tonight!”
Madi turned away to hide her embarrassment. She took a steadying breath. She wanted to punch him. Then she wanted to grab him and stick her tongue down his throat. No, she wanted to kick him in the balls.
“Maybe you should get out tonight, Madi.” She turned to look at him. “You seem uptight, like you have a lot of built up tension. I know I can’t wait for a release.” Jake raised his eyebrows to her as he said it. What was he trying to imply?
Madi glared at him. He knew she was jealous and he was purposely rubbing it in. What a gigantic dick. She was pissed. The words came out of her mouth before she could stop them, “Fuck you, Jake.” She stomped off to her room and slammed the door. As she leaned against it, the regret crept in. She almost turned to apologize but then she felt the anger rise back to the surface. They most definitely were not dating. Let him go with Christine Paul. If that was the kind of woman he wanted then she hoped he screwed her until his dick fell off. Madi looked for her phone and realized it was on the kitchen counter. She was definitely not going back out to the kitchen with Jake still there. She leaned on the door and scooted to the floor.
There was a small part of her that wanted to cry, but a bigger part of her wanted to punch a hole in the wall. She looked up from the floor and saw the teddy bear Jake had sent to her in college poking his head out from the pillow. He was mocking her. She could hear him in his teddy bear voice: “You got a teddy bear but Christine gets his dick.” Madi got up and ran to the bear. She picked up the little shit and threw him up against the wall. Then she kicked him. He was still laughing at her so she picked him up and attempted to rip his head off. Damn her lack of strength! She opened up a drawer and shoved him inside under her panties. “No, you little fuck! You don’t deserve to be near my panties!” She picked him up and drop kicked him into the back of her closet. Then she closed the door and started to half laugh, half cry. Fuck Jake Morgan and all his games. Fuck this stupid contest and this stupid job. Fuck LA. Fuck, fuck, fuck!!!!
Madi heard the door close and felt relief mixed with intense pain. She opened the door and moped her way to the kitchen. She picked up her phone and called Kendra. No answer. She didn’t leave a message. She looked down at her phone and contemplated who she could call. She punched in a number.
“Hi sweetie! How are you tonight?”
“Ang, I need someone to get me out of this place!”

Waiting to Lose:
A slow, devious grin crept across her lips, and Jake desperately needed to know her thoughts. “Mads, for the love of God, you need to tell me what’s going on in that head of yours.”
“Didn’t I just tell you that I wanted the steak?”
Jake’s mind raced back to Madi, standing in red garter belts, drunk out of her mind in his apartment in L.A. He remembered her telling him she’d always had the chicken salad because it was safe. Back then she’d also said she wanted the steak. She said he was the steak. “Are you hungry?” he asked, motioning toward the table.
Madi’s smile widened as she glanced over his shoulder at the table of food. “That’s not the steak I want.”
Jake closed his eyes and smiled, shaking his head. He opened them suddenly when he felt her fingers begin to unbutton his shirt. He followed her trembling hands with his eyes as they deftly stripped his chest. Madi took a deep breath, and Jake smirked as her eyes traveled the length of his torso. She flexed her hand over his pecs before circling the nipples on his chest and running her fingers through the small amount of hair there. She smiled and sucked in her lip as her hand gently examined each one of his stomach muscles. That same electricity they had between them before was present like another force in the room. Her touch sent shivers through him, directly to his manhood.
“You are a beautiful man, Jake Morgan.” She turned behind him, pulling his shirt down his arms. She skimmed her fingers over him, kissing his shoulders.
“I assume you’re satisfied with the cut of your steak?” he asked with a mischievous tone as her hand reached around him and squeezed his stomach. Her tongue and lips kissed the area between his shoulder blades. He could feel a smile in her kiss. Jake closed his eyes and tried to remember to breathe. His mind went back to the morning he awoke with her hand on his stomach. He remembered her saying how tight it felt and how she had wanted to touch him. He also remembered her bare legs wrapped in the covers. He felt a twitch in his pants. They were suddenly becoming a little too tight.
He almost said something, but he couldn’t focus on anything but the way her touch made him feel. He’d denied himself her for so long. He silently promised himself that he would never take a single kiss from her for granted. She continued to press her lips to his back as her hands made their way down to his belt. She quickly unfastened it, undid the button of his jeans, and gently pulled his zipper down. Jake could feel the effect she was having on him and wondered how long he’d be able to stand still. Her hand reached inside his boxer briefs and found him. He couldn’t help the sharp intake of air that left his mouth at the feel of her hands on him. She stood there for a few moments with her lips on his back and her hands knowingly stroking him from behind, as if she could read his inner thoughts and desires. Before he knew it, Madi turned and was on her knees in front of him. “Jesus... Madi…” He could barely get her name out as he panted.
“I… want… the… steak. This piece of steak.”

The Contest

Waiting to Lose

Author Bio:
Dawn L. Chiletz released her debut “The Contest” in October 2014. “Waiting to Lose” is her second novel in the Contest Series. She currently resides in Illinois with her husband, two boys and two dogs.

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